The history of a free press in Nepal goes back only about 20 years. The freedom of expression was guaranteed in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990, which created the ground for the institutionalisation of a free press. There has been an explosive growth in the media industry since then. The valley of Kathmandu, with a population of about 3 million, boasts of at least 12 broadsheet dailies, 14 television channels and about 50 FM radio stations, to say nothing of innumerable blogs and internet portals.
The abundance of riches has helped to sustain a media environment where enthusiasm triumphs over circumspection. With channels competing with each other for eye balls, newspapers vying for advertising revenue and FM Radio stations bidding for donor grants, free media has come to mean a veritable free for all.
In ‘normal’ times, self-correction mechanisms could have perhaps helped to resolve some of the contentious issues in an amicable manner. However, since 2006, Nepal has entered into a phase of political transition to build a federal and democratic republic that would aim to ensure participatory governance, inclusive policies and social justice. The Nepalese media does not seem to be a part of the solution. Is it a part of the problem? It is too early to be pessimistic, but initial indicators are not very encouraging.
An attempt will be made in the presentation to substantiate fears and hopes, based on an overview of the media’s tilt concerning some of the defining issues during the transition since 2006.